How Can a Business Benefit From Embargoed Press Release
An embargoed press release is a great way to generate buzz for your upcoming product launch or a big announcement. By sending out a press release under embargo, you ask reporters not to publish the story until a specific date and time.
The critical importance is that it gives you a chance to control the narrative and ensure that your announcement gets the attention it deserves. This article will discuss the meaning, how to send an embargoed press release, and how you can manage an embargoed press release.
What is an Embargoed Press Release?
An embargoed press release is a media announcement that is distributed to journalists in advance of the actual event or news. The idea is that journalists will have time to write their stories and get them ready for publication closer to the event date. This can be a great way to generate hype and get people talking about your upcoming product launch.
In other words, an embargoed press release is like a present you can’t open until a specified date. Usually, the embargo is set to coincide with the release of new information or products.
If a company is set to launch a new product next month, it may embargo its press release until launch day. This way, reporters have time to write their stories and prepare for their interviews. Still, they can’t share details about the product until it’s officially released.
Embargoed press releases can be frustrating for reporters eager to get their hands on the latest scoop. Still, they often result in more thoughtful, well-rounded stories. So, whether you’re a reporter or a PR professional, it’s essential to respect embargoes and adhere to deadlines. After all, good things come to those who wait.
Risks Associated With Embargoed Press Release
A company usually hopes for good news coverage when it issues a press release. But what happens when the news is embargoed?
Embargoed press releases can be risky, as they often contain harmful or sensitive information. If the release is leaked before the embargo date, it can cause damage to the company’s reputation. And if reporters ignore the embargo, it can make the company look foolish.
The two significant risks with the embargo press releases are:
- Releasing Sensitive Information: If a press release contains information that could damage the company or individual, it’s essential to ensure that reporters understand the embargo and agree not to publish the story until the specified date.
- Breaking an Embargo: If reporters break an embargo, they may damage their relationship with the source. In some cases, they may even be blacklisted. So, while embargoed press releases can be a great way to generate buzz and control the narrative, it’s essential to weigh the risks before sending one out.
Of course, there are benefits to embargoed press releases as well. They allow companies to control the timing of their news and give reporters time to prepare more in-depth stories. But the risks associated with embargoes should not be ignored.
Why You Need an Embargo Press Release.
You might need to use an embargo press release for a few reasons. First, suppose you have something significant and newsworthy that you want to share with the media. Still, you want to ensure it gets the attention it deserves. In that case, an embargoed press release can help you coordinate your outreach and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Second, an embargo can also be an excellent way to build up hype for a particular product or event. If you know that there are journalists interested in what you have to say but might not have the time to write about it right away. In such cases releasing an embargoed press release can give them a chance to do so when they’re ready.
And finally, an embargoed press release can also be an excellent way to protect yourself from potential legal issues. If you’re unsure whether something is newsworthy or could be construed as libelous. Releasing it under an embargo gives you a chance to get feedback from trusted sources before it goes public.
If you’re considering using an embargoed press release, you should keep a few things in mind. First, make sure you’re clear about the terms of the embargo. Second, give journalists enough time to write their stories – a day or two is usually sufficient. And finally, don’t forget to follow up after the embargo expires to ensure your story gets the attention it deserves.
Announcement Types That Can be Embargoed
There are a few different types of announcements that can be embargoed. Here are a few examples:
- If you’re launching a new product that pertains to financial updates, it could have an effect on the financial market.
- When announcing a new partnership, it’s essential to ensure both parties are ready to go public with the news.
- If you’re releasing new research, you’ll want to embargo it so the information is passed at the right time to avoid panic.
- If the information being passed across relates to security, it is essential to have an embargo.
Pros and Cons of Embargoed Press Release
Embargoed press releases are a contentious issue in the PR world. On the one hand, they allow you to control the timing of your story and ensure that it gets the attention it deserves. On the other hand, they can be challenging to manage, and if something goes wrong, it can reflect poorly on your brand. So, what are the pros and cons of embargoed press releases?
On the pro side, embargoed press releases give you complete control over your story’s release. This means you can coordinate with other media outlets to ensure that your story gets maximum exposure. Additionally, embargoed press releases can build anticipation for your story, generating buzz and interest in advance.
However, there are also some potential downsides to embargoed press releases. If something goes wrong with the release, it can reflect poorly on your brand. Moreover, embargoed press releases require more coordination and management than non-embargoed releases. As a result, they can be more time-consuming and challenging to execute.
Ultimately, whether or not to use an embargoed press release is a decision that should be based on the individual needs of your brand and story. An embargo may be a good option if you have a big announcement you want to coordinate with other media outlets. However, suppose you’re working with limited resources or don’t have a clear plan for managing the release. In that case, it may be better to go without an embargo.
How To Use Embargoed Press Releases?
An embargoed press release is a way to gain press coverage for an upcoming event without tipping off the competition. By providing reporters with advance notice of an event, you can secure valuable media placements and generate excitement without giving your rivals a chance to steal your thunder. Here’s how it works:
First, you write a press release and send it to reporters with a note indicating that the information contained therein is strictly embargoed until a specific date. Then, on the event day, you send out another email blast or post the release on your website, making sure to include the embargoed information.
Sending out another email will allow reporters to write their stories in advance. As a result, permitting them to dig deeper and provide more context than they would if they were forced to file on a deadline. And because you’ve given them a heads-up, they’re more likely to give your event the attention it deserves.
Next time you’ve got something big brewing, remember: an embargoed press release is your best friend.
Managing an Embargoed Press Release
So, you’re managing a press release that’s been embargoed. That means the contents of the release are confidential and cannot be made public until a specified date and time.
Of course, you also have to ensure that the press release gets into the hands of the right people before it’s released. Here are a few tips to help you manage an embargoed press release:
- Provide an intro to journalists.
Share part of the embargo with journalists to see if they are interested. If they are, provide them with a short intro to the story. This will help them understand the embargo and why it’s essential.
- Start writing.
Get a head start on writing the press release by starting before the embargo is lifted. This way, you can be sure that all the information is accurate and up-to-date. Plus, you’ll be able to get a jump on distributing the release.
- Delay sending the press release.
Once the embargo is lifted, don’t immediately send out the press release. Instead, take a few minutes to review it and make sure that everything is in order. Then, send it out to the journalists who have expressed interest.
- Add necessary details.
As you send the press release, be sure to include all the necessary details, such as the date and time of the event. This will help ensure that journalists can cover your story correctly.
- Plan for leaks.
Even with the best of intentions, leaks can happen. So be prepared and have a plan in place for how you’ll handle it if information from the embargoed press release is made public before its intended release date.
- Use a distribution service.
Consider using a distribution service to ensure your embargoed press release reaches the right people. This will help ensure that your release gets into the hands of journalists who are likely to be interested in it.
Final Thoughts: Embargoed Press release
An embargoed press release can be a great way to generate buzz and media attention for an upcoming event. However, it’s important to remember that an embargoed release requires more coordination and management than a non-embargoed release.
Before you use an embargoed press release, weigh the pros and cons carefully and make sure you have a plan for managing the release.
How can we help you?
Press Reach is a full-service public relations firm helping businesses and organizations with their press needs. From writing and distributing press releases to setting up interviews and media appearances, we can help you get the exposure you need to reach your goals. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
FAQs:
When should a press release be embargoed?
There is no hard and fast rule for when a press release should be embargoed. However, it’s generally advisable to embargo a press release if the information contained is time-sensitive or could potentially be used by competitors to gain an advantage.
How long can a press release be embargoed?
Again, there is no hard and fast rule. However, most embargoes are typically lifted within 24-48 hours after the release is sent out.
How do I embargo a press release?
When you’re ready to send out your press release, simply include a note indicating that the information contained therein is strictly embargoed until a specific date and time. Ensure instructions on how and when the embargo should be lifted.
What happens if I break an embargo?
If you break an embargo, you risk damaging your relationship with the journalist or media outlet that received the information. In some cases, breaking an embargo can also lead to legal action. Therefore, it’s essential to take embargo restrictions seriously and only lift an embargo when the specified date and time have arrived.
How do you pitch a press release under embargo?
If you’re pitching a press release under embargo, include the embargo information in your pitch. This will help the journalist or media outlet understand that they cannot publish or share the information until the embargo has been lifted.
When should I send out an embargoed press release?
It’s generally advisable to send the release a few days before the embargo is lifted. This will give journalists and media outlets time to review the information and prepare any stories or articles they might want to write.
